NEW YORK – In describing the behind-the-scenes conversations leading up to the July 31 Trade Deadline, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said some players were “more touchable than others,” making clear they shut down multiple inquiries involving the top of the farm system.
The Yankees’ push to revamp the big league roster was built around an untouchables list headlined by top prospect George Lombard Jr., and he wasn’t alone. Multiple clubs checked in on slugger Spencer Jones and hard-throwing right-hander Cam Schlittler; Cashman and his staff listened but ultimately held firm.
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“Like with anybody, you try to protect and stay away to the degree you can,” Cashman said. “There’s a lot of guys that we like, and unfortunately we parted with guys we like. That’s just the nature of the beast. We were trying to stay away from certain guys more than others, but we also recognize you have to give to get.”
In the wake of moves that reshaped the bullpen and other areas for 2025 and beyond, here’s a refreshed look at the Yankees’ top prospects:
1. George Lombard Jr., SS (MLB No. 25)
2. Carlos Lagrange, RHP (MLB No. 82)
3. Cam Schlittler, RHP (MLB No. 91)
4. Spencer Jones, OF (MLB No. 92)
5. Bryce Cunningham, RHP
Biggest jump/fall
Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the preseason list:
Jump: Carlos Lagrange, RHP (Preseason: 19 | Midseason: 2)
The 6-foot-7 righty has touched 102 mph, pairing elite velocity with improved command, earning a promotion to Double-A Somerset and a spot in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100.
Fall: Roderick Arias, SS (Preseason: 7 | Midseason: 21)
The 20-year-old has struggled to a .199/.316/.304 slash line through 81 games at Single-A Tampa.
New to the list
Here are the players added to the Top 30 from outside the organization:
No. 8, Dax Kilby, SS (Pick No. 39 in 2025 Draft)
No. 13, Kaeden Kent, SS (Pick No. 103 in 2025 Draft)
No. 15, Pico Kohn, LHP (Pick No. 134 in 2025 Draft)
No. 18, Core Jackson, SS (Pick No. 164 in 2025 Draft)
Best tools
Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. Players in parentheses have the same grade.
Hit: 55 -- George Lombard Jr. (Dax Kilby)
Power: 60 -- Spencer Jones
Run: 65 -- Brendan Jones
Arm: 60 -- Roderick Arias (Core Jackson, Brando Mayea, Francisco Vilorio)
Defense: 60 -- George Lombard Jr.
Fastball: 70 -- Carlos Lagrange
Curveball: 60 -- Ben Hess
Slider: 60 -- Carlos Lagrange (Chase Hampton, Cade Smith)
Changeup: 60 -- Bryce Cunningham
Control: 60 -- Brendan Beck